Tag: The Los Angeles County Department Of Public Health

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, May 17, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued a press release warning the public of a report of Hepatitis A that LACDPH is investigating.  An employee of Whole Foods Market located at 239 N. Crescent Drive in Beverly Hills in the seafood section, has reportedly tested positive for the virus.

The following information came directly from the press release:

“Based on the employee’s job duties and symptoms while at work, Public Health is recommending that anyone who purchased products from the seafood counter section of the store between April 20 and May 13 receive hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immune. People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine or had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus.

Receiving vaccination as soon as possible after exposure could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection. Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider for the vaccine. Public Health is working with the company to ensure employees that are not immune are referred for vaccination.”

The Cleveland Clinic posted the following information about receiving a vaccine after exposure to the Hepatitis A virus:

“The Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent Hepatitis A infection if administered within two weeks of exposure. A single dose of the vaccine may be enough to prevent infection, but it usually takes two to three doses to be fully vaccinated. Healthcare providers may also recommend an injection of immune globulin (IG) in some cases.”

For those who cannot receive the PEP vaccine recommended in the allotted time frame, a visit to a healthcare professional is still recommended.

The CDC estimates that the Hepatitis treatment could be effective up to seven days following exposure. 

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On April 16, at 10:30 a.m., residents gathered at Christine Emerson Reed Park for a planned protest organized by the Santa Monica Coalition. The protesters were there to demand an end to the free hypodermic needle distribution in Santa Monica.

According to their web page, “The Santa Monica Coalition is a movement comprised of Santa Monica residents, business owners, and locals that addresses the humanitarian crisis, public safety concerns, the rising crime, and the current lack of responsiveness from the City of Santa Monica.”

According to an April 11, press release, Santa Monica has now passed San Francisco with the highest number of addicts per square mile. Of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica now comes in third for the most meth and fentanyl overdoses “behind only Skid Row, and MacArthur Park.”

The following information came directly from the aforementioned press release. Full text with funding information may be found on the Santa Monica Coalition website.

“The city of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, along with the Venice Family Clinic have been operating the only open-air, public-funded needle distribution in the state. They make their distributions at Reed Park, Tongva, and Pacific Palisades Park (along Ocean Avenue).

This program is attracting substance abusers to settle in our parks, inject drugs, and discard their used needles in the grassy areas of the park.”

For the last 19 months the city has not acted on our behalf. Our City Manager, David White, without consulting the city council, signed a joint proclamation on behalf of Santa Monica, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Venice Family Clinic. David White is currently being supported by council members, [Gleam] Davis, [Caroline] Turosis, and [Jesse]Zwick.

All three council members voted against ending needle distributions in our parks.

“We want our parks available for safe use for all of our families and visitors.”

On February 16, the Santa Monica Coalition filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) regarding the distribution of hypodermic needles at area beaches and parks. The coalition flooded City and LADPH officials to no avail.

The Santa Monica Coalition has since launched a “Santa Monica is not safe,” campaign to get residents involved in the movement to restore the beauty of Santa Monica.

By Sharon